They raised millions for their startups... but how?
How do entrepreneurs convince people to give them money? We profile founders who've gone through the fundraising gauntlet in order to get their venture off the ground.

They raised millions for their startups... but how?
How do entrepreneurs convince people to give them money? We profile founders who've gone through the fundraising gauntlet in order to get their venture off the ground.
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They raised millions for their startups... but how?


How do entrepreneurs convince people to give them money? We profile founders who've gone through the fundraising gauntlet in order to get their venture off the ground.
Latest Episodes
Check out our latest chats with awesome founders.

TBC: Why Monthly Investor Newsletters Might Be a Bad Idea for Founders
In this episode of The Backchannel, we delve into the commonly held belief that founders should send monthly investor newsletters. We revisit the idea from a previous episode focused on personal newsletters for VCs and discuss why monthly updates might not be the most effective way to maintain investor interest. Learn alternatives for more strategic and impactful investor communication techniques. Ideal for startup founders looking to optimize their fundraising strategies.

TBC: Is Silicon Valley Still the Place to Be for Startups?
Welcome back to the Back Channel! Today, we're mixing things up. My producer Paige read an article from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute and wanted my take. They claim tech workers are flocking back to SF, with major companies still headquartered there, and a big chunk of AI investment dollars staying local. Although there's truth to that, I think the pandemic has opened doors for other cities. San Francisco is still important due to it's history and other specific reasons, but there are other places on the rise. Listen to the full episode to hear my take on the article!

The Story Behind Lex's $5.6M Seed Round (Jennifer Lewis / Lex)
Jennifer Lewis
Lex
Funded
Jason Yeh (host)
Sponsors
Contact Us / Misc
- Reach out to us on social or email me directly at jason@fundedpod.com if you have any questions or would like to share your story with us!
- If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

TBC: How Much Should I Raise?
In this episode of The Backchannel, we explore everything you should consider when figuring out how much you need to raise.
Jason delves into the common questions founders face regarding fundraising amounts, the importance of being goal-oriented, and the two key goals for raising funds.
Jason also stresses the importance of calculating the necessary funds to hit these milestones, rather than opting for smaller, seemingly easier amounts that could lead to a "bridge to nowhere."
Drawing from his mentor, Alan Patricof, the host underscores that investors seek meaningful progress, not just minimal survival.
The episode provides a clear framework to help founders determine how much they need to raise for their companies.

TBC: How I Work - For Easily Distracted Founders
In this episode of The Backchannel, the host launches a new series called "How I Work," exploring strategies for productivity.
Jason delves into the challenges faced by founders, such as digital distractions, and shares his personal approach to combatting them.
By disconnecting from the internet during certain periods and utilizing a digital notepad like the remarkable device, he emphasizes the importance of carving out distraction-free time to boost productivity.
Join him as he shares insights and invites feedback on navigating the demands of entrepreneurship.
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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter
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The Journey of Ian Swanson Starting 3 Venture-Backed Successes (Ian Swanson / Protect AI)
Ian Swanson
Protect AI
Funded
Jason Yeh (host)
Sponsors
Contact Us / Misc
- Reach out to us on social or email me directly at jason@fundedpod.com if you have any questions or would like to share your story with us!
- If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

TBC: Why Every Founder Needs Third-Party Feedback
In this episode of The Backchannel, the host emphasizes the critical role of third-party feedback in the fundraising process for entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on a recent interaction with a founder, the host describes how an initially chaotic business pitch was clarified and refined through his outsider's perspective.
This episode underscores the unique advantage of third-party insights, which strip away emotional biases and unnecessary details to highlight the core message that resonates.
The takeaway is clear: seeking external opinions on fundraising materials isn't just helpful; it's essential for success.
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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

TBC: Pro Tip for VC's - The Personal Newsletter
In this episode, the host shares the power of personal newsletters for VC's, shedding light on investor psychology and fundraising strategies.
Drawing from anecdotes from his personal life and interactions with VC's, he highlights the importance of staying top of mind in the competitive landscape of deal flow.
By sharing stories of missed opportunities and the dynamics of VC interactions, he underscores the significance of personal branding through newsletters.
Ultimately, the episode offers a pro tip for VC's to leverage personal newsletters as a means to enhance deal flow and foster lasting connections while simultaneously teaching founders about investor psychology.

How Nancy Xu Raised $10M for Moonhub (Nancy Xu / Moonhub)
Follow Us
Nancy Xu
Moonhub
Funded
Jason Yeh (host)
Sponsors
Contact Us / Misc
- Reach out to us on social or email me directly at jason@fundedpod.com if you have any questions or would like to share your story with us!
- If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money:
- fundedpod.com/newsletter

TBC: How & Why to Get a Technical Co-founder
In this episode, our host covers the importance of having a technical co-founder for non-technical founders and how to go about finding one.
Venture capitalists seek teams with diverse skill sets, understanding that successful companies require both technical and non-technical expertise.
For non-technical founders, making progress and creating value without a technical product is key to attracting top talent.
By understanding the "why" and "how" of finding a technical co-founder, you'll be better equipped to build a strong co-founding team and drive towards success.
Join us as we explore the steps ahead in this journey!
